Fun recreational game helps educate on snow safety

Zombies are back. That’s right, the zombies are coming back to Arctic Man. If you’re a “Walking Dead” fan, or even if you’re not, playing this game could save your life. Plus win you cash and prizes.

Last year North America Outdoor Institute brought the Zombie Apocalypse game to Arctic Man to raise awareness about safety. After all, a zombie is really anything that could turn out bad – like getting caught in an avalanche, falling in a crevasse, slamming into an object or hitting another snowmachine. Even a broken belt or fouled plug when you’re far out in the Alaska wilderness could turn tragic if you’re not prepared.

Do you have what it takes to survive? Find out by playing this game at Arctic Man, which coincidentally is scheduled for April 8-14. It’s just $10 for your game card. Half of the money raised will go into the cash prize pot, and the other half will support the safety outreach programs provided across Alaska by NAOI.

Once again NAOI and Alaska Avalanche Information Center (AAIC) are teaming up with Arctic Man, the Alaska Department of Public Safety and the Alaska Division of Parks and Recreation to help those attending Arctic Man avoid or overcome real emergency situations.

The game is played like five-card stud poker. Players complete challenges or test their knowledge to collect points toward their Pea Pod Challenge hand. The highest and lowest hands split the cash pot. There are lots of other prizes, too, like an ABS avalanche air bag, snowmachine helmets, first aid kits, shovels, probes and more.

Over the years, Alaska has been the scene of too many tragic accidents from people out recreating. Why take chances? If you don’t know that much about survival, or maybe you think you know and just want to test your skills, the Arctic Man Zombie Challenge is your opportunity to put your knowledge into action. Plus, you never know; you could be a big winner like Andy Anderson of Palmer, who won the high hand cash pot and a BCA avalanche beacon in 2012. Or Dani Gross of Wasilla, who walked away with the other half of the cash pot for her low hand.

But best of all, you’ll have a chance to learn and practice skills that can save your life.

Wear a beacon to the Arctic Man and if the zombies find you, you’ll get an instant prize from one of our sponsors.

Saturday night during the awards ceremony, NAOI will have a costume contest for the best zombie! Come join the fun.

The NAOI and AAIC will be hosting the game in the main tent at Arctic Man from 5-9 p.m. April 11-13. Field games will be held April 12 and 13 from 11 a.m. to 3p.m. It’s fun and educational for everyone, whether you’re 8 or 88 years old. To learn more visit BeSnowSmart.org.

Avoid being a zombie!

So what do you need to do avoid being zombie (code speak for “getting in a snowmachine crash”?) Here are some tips for a safer adventure.

Choose the right activity for the day. What’s the weather and snowpack doing? New snow takes time to bond and sun heats the snowpack adding weight.

Use the buddy system; go with a friend.

Tell someone where you’re going, and don’t change the plan without giving an update.

Don’t just own safety equipment; know how to use it. Practice, practice, practice.

Travel one at a time while others watch from a safe zone.

Avoid terrain traps (dips, gullies or below cliffs where snow can pile up.) And never stop on or below steep slopes or cornices.

If your friend gets caught you become the rescuer. You don’t have time to go for help.

AT ARCTIC MAN

Join the North America Outdoor Institute “Your pathway to safe outdoor adventures” at Arctic Man 2013 and learn how you can be prepared. To learn more or sign up for an NAOI snowmobile safety course, visit us online at WWW.NAOIAK.ORG. or call 907-376-2898.